LED light bulb for use in an illuminated aircraft sign

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application for a utility patent is a continuation-in-part of a previously filed design patent, having the application Ser. No. 29/162,853, filed Jun. 21, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. D,474,849.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

0002Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00031. Field of the Invention

0004This invention relates generally to an LED light bulb, and more particularly to an LED light bulb that can be removably inserted into an LED light strip and used to illuminate at least one translucent portion of a sign, preferably an illuminated aircraft sign.

00052. Description of Related Art

0006The following art defines the present state of this field:

0007Hunter, U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,612 B1, teaches a light emitting diode light strip that includes a rigid hollow tube sized to accommodate a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has a positive and negative bus extending the full length of the board. One or more resistors are in contact with the positive bus on one end and a series of light emitting diodes on the other. The diodes are mounted through holes in the board and the anode of the diode is in communication with a resistor while the cathode of the diode contacts an adjacent diode anode connecting them in linked series through traces on the bottom of the circuit board. The end cathode in each series, engages the negative bus forming a predetermined group of diodes electrically coupled to a single resistor on one end and the negative bus on the other. A pair of end caps enclose the tube and an electrical cable is connected through the caps to the busses on the circuit board. A power supply is in contact, through the electrical cable, with the board providing low voltage direct current power through the busses to a predetermined group of light emitting diodes, for illumination of the area surrounding the light strip.

0008Ziadi, U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,658, teaches a fiber-optic lighting system is powered by a power supply connected to a high intensity light source which generates a beam of light. A first elongate light guide extends between a first end positioned within the beam of light and a second end positioned adjacent a lamp reflector. A second elongate light guide which is configured to emit light from a side also extends from a first end positioned within the beam of light. An elongate light fixture is positioned along the second light guide for directing light emitted from the side of the light guide.

0009Loeber et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,051, teaches an emergency sign that includes a body having a top, two spaced apart sides, and a bottom defining a cavity. The sign includes a front cover having an inside surface and cut out portions extending through the cover forming indicia. The sign includes an array of LEDs disposed within the cavity, and a diffuser coupled to the cover and covering the indicia, the diffuser having cut away portions for permitting light from the light source to reflect off of the inside surface of the front cover. The diffuser may include pigment therein, which pigment is color matched to correspond to the wavelength of the light from the light source.

0010Tung, U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,297, teaches a ruminant sign that includes a base having a pair of opposed casings and a image plate made of transparent acrylic resin and engaged with the base. The base has a circuit board with a plurality of illuminators (LEDs) disposed therein. A front face and a rear face of the image plate have a number of display areas defined thereon by peripheral grooves of pictures or words. Each display area has a plurality of reflective surfaces formed therein in directions non-parallel to the beam directions of the illuminators. With this arrangement, each display area of the image plate will achieve a uniform intensity.

0011Dimmick, U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,679, teaches a sign having at least one light pipe, each light pipe made of light-transmitting material. The at least one light pipe is arranged to form a predetermined message or design, each light pipe having at least two ends and carrying at least one light source proximate at least one end, each light source directed towards another end of the light pipe in the direction of extension of the light pipe, a portion of the outer surface of each light pipe being translucent permitting light to exit therefrom, the sign further carrying electrical circuit means for energizing each light source, and means for mounting the at least one light pipe to form the predetermined message or design; whereby energizing of each light source causes light to be transmitted in each light pipe, light therefrom emerging through the translucent outer surface of each light pipe for the display of the predetermined message or design.

0012Other references of interest include Grammas et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,869, and Henderson, U.S. D331,980.

0013The above-described references are hereby incorporated by reference in full.

0014The prior art teaches various forms of LED bulbs; however, the prior art does not teach a light bulb that includes a plurality of LEDs and a flange that enables the light bulb to be removably mounted on a light strip. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0015The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.

0016The present invention provides an LED light bulb has a bulb base having an electrical contact, an outer sidewall, an insulator between the electrical contact and the outer sidewall. The LED light bulb further includes a bulb circuit board mounted upon the bulb base and extending upwardly therefrom. The bulb circuit board has a first side and a second side. A plurality of LEDs are mounted on the first and second sides of the bulb circuit board such that the plurality of LEDs are in electrical communication with the electrical contact through a resistor. A flange extending outwardly from the outer sidewall adjacent a bottom edge of the outer sidewall.

0017A primary objective of the present invention is to provide an LED light bulb having advantages not taught by the prior art.

0018Another objective is to provide an LED light bulb that is adapted to be mounted upon an LED light strip that is adapted to be mounted within an illuminated aircraft sign

0019A further objective is to provide an LED light strip that is adapted to illuminate a sign having at least one translucent portion.

0020Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

0021The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, an LED light bulb for use with an illuminated aircraft sign;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a front elevational view thereof;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a sectional view thereof taken along line <b>3</b>—<b>3</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an electrical schematic thereof;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a top plan view thereof;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a bottom plan view thereof;

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the LED light bulb;

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a front elevational view thereof;

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a sectional view thereof taken along line <b>9</b>—<b>9</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a top plan view thereof;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a bottom plan view thereof;

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an LED light strip illustrating how one of the LED light bulbs is mounted on the LED light strip;

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a rear perspective view thereof;

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is an exploded front perspective view of the LED light strip illustrating how the LED light strip is inserted into a base unit of a sign; and

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is an exploded rear perspective view of a second embodiment of the LED light strip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0037The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a plurality of LED light bulbs <b>10</b> that are adapted to removably engage an LED light strip <b>12</b> for illuminating at least one translucent portion <b>80</b> of a sign <b>78</b>, preferably an illuminated aircraft sign.

LED Light Bulbs

0038For purposes of clarity, we will often refer in the singular to an LED light bulb <b>10</b> with the understanding that this is a single one of the plurality of LED light bulbs <b>10</b>.

0039In a first embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> and <b>5</b>-<b>6</b>, the LED light bulb <b>10</b> has a bulb base <b>48</b> that supports at least one LED, preferably a plurality of LEDs <b>61</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 6</figref>, the bulb base <b>48</b> has an electrical contact <b>50</b>, an outer sidewall <b>54</b>, and an insulator <b>52</b> between the electrical contact <b>50</b> and the outer sidewall <b>54</b>. The outer sidewall <b>54</b> has an upper edge <b>56</b> and a bottom edge <b>58</b>, and is preferably generally cylindrical in shape. The outer sidewall <b>54</b> is preferably constructed of an electrically conductive material such as steel.

0040As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, the electrical contact <b>50</b> is in electrical communication the plurality of LEDs <b>61</b>, preferably through a first conductor <b>62</b> that is electrically connected to a first connection point <b>64</b> of the bulb circuit board <b>66</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the plurality of LEDs <b>61</b> are in electrical communication with the electrical contact <b>50</b> through a first resistor <b>68</b>. The plurality of LEDs <b>61</b> preferably includes four LEDs that are connected to each other in series. The four LEDs <b>61</b> are then connected to a second resistor <b>73</b>, which is then connected to a second connection point <b>70</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the second connection point <b>70</b> is electrically connected to the outer sidewall <b>54</b>, preferably through a second conductor <b>72</b>. While this arrangement is preferred, those skilled in the art can devise other arrangements, and any equivalent arrangements should be considered within the scope of the claimed invention.

0041As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, the outer sidewall <b>54</b> includes a flange <b>74</b> extending outwardly from near the bottom edge <b>58</b> of the outer sidewall <b>54</b>. The flange <b>74</b> may be integral with or otherwise attached to the outer sidewall <b>54</b>, and is adapted to removably engage the LED light strip <b>12</b>, as described in greater detail below, for removably mounting the LED light bulb <b>10</b> on the LED light strip <b>12</b>.

0042As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, the bulb circuit board <b>66</b> is preferably mounted upon the bulb base <b>48</b> such that it extends upwardly therefrom. The bulb circuit board <b>66</b> preferably has a first side <b>66</b>A and a second side <b>66</b>B. Each of the sides <b>66</b>A and <b>66</b>B is adapted to mount some of the plurality of LEDs <b>61</b>, preferably three LEDs on each side. The bulb circuit board <b>66</b> is preferably inserted into the bulb base <b>48</b> such that it frictionally engages the upper edge <b>56</b> of the outer sidewall <b>54</b>.

0043In a second embodiment, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-11</figref>, the LED light bulb <b>10</b> may include a rigid tray <b>60</b> affixed to a upper edge <b>56</b> of the outer sidewall <b>54</b>. The rigid tray <b>60</b> is constructed of a strong, rigid, and durable material and is adapted to mount the bulb circuit board <b>66</b> across the upper edge <b>56</b> of the outer sidewall <b>54</b> so that the bulb circuit board <b>66</b> covers the bulb base <b>48</b>.

0044In this embodiment, the LED light bulb <b>10</b> may include four LEDs <b>61</b> mounted on the bulb circuit board <b>66</b> and disposed in a generally rectangular arrangement on a bulb circuit board <b>66</b> around the first and second resistors <b>68</b> and <b>73</b>. The rigid tray <b>60</b> may include a plurality of studs <b>76</b> extending upwardly from the rigid tray <b>60</b>. Each of the plurality of studs <b>76</b> is positioned between two of the plurality of LEDs <b>61</b>, and extends upwardly above the bulb circuit board <b>66</b> to approximately the same height as the plurality of LEDs <b>61</b>.

LED Light Strip

0045As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-15</figref>, the plurality of LED light bulbs <b>10</b> are adapted to be used in conjunction with the LED light strip <b>12</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-15</figref>. The LED light strip <b>12</b> includes a printed circuit board assembly that includes a means for removably attaching the plurality of LED light bulbs <b>10</b>.

0046In a first embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-14</figref>, the printed circuit board assembly includes a printed circuit board <b>14</b>, and the means for removably attaching includes a plurality of locking clips <b>16</b> that function to hold the plurality of the LED light bulbs <b>10</b> operably on the printed circuit board <b>14</b>. The printed circuit board <b>14</b> of the LED light strip <b>12</b> has a front surface <b>18</b> and an opposing rear surface <b>20</b>. A plurality of anode contacts <b>22</b> are disposed on the printed circuit board <b>14</b>, preferably on the front surface <b>18</b>. In the preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board <b>14</b> is an elongate shape and the plurality of anode contacts <b>22</b> are evenly spaced down the length of the printed circuit board <b>14</b>; however, the printed circuit board <b>14</b> could be adapted to various alternative uses which would dictate alternative sizes and shapes.

0047As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, the printed circuit board <b>14</b> also includes a plurality of cathode contacts <b>24</b>, each of the plurality of cathode contacts <b>24</b> being positioned in proximity to one of the plurality of anode contacts <b>22</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-14</figref>, each of the plurality of locking clips <b>16</b> is attached to one of the plurality of cathode contacts <b>24</b>, and each of the plurality of locking clips <b>16</b> is adapted to removably engage one of the plurality of LED bulbs <b>10</b>. Each of the plurality of locking clips <b>16</b> preferably has a clip base <b>26</b> that extends to a forked end <b>28</b> and is constructed of an electrically conductive material. In the preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of locking clips <b>16</b> is constructed of a resilient material such as spring steel so that each of the plurality of locking clips <b>16</b> can function to clamp one of the plurality of LED light bulbs <b>10</b> against the printed circuit board <b>14</b>. The clip base <b>26</b> of each of the plurality of locking clips <b>16</b> is fastened to the printed circuit board <b>14</b> and electronically connected to one of the plurality of cathode contacts <b>24</b> such that the forked end <b>28</b> is positioned over one of the plurality of anode contacts <b>22</b>. In one embodiment, the clip base <b>26</b> is fastened to the printed circuit board <b>14</b> with a fastener such as a rivet <b>30</b> or similar fastening device.

0048As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>, the printed circuit board <b>14</b> includes an anode connection point <b>32</b> and a cathode connection point <b>34</b> to enable the printed circuit board <b>14</b> to be electrically connected to an outside power source (not shown). The anode connection point <b>32</b> is electrically connected to each of the plurality of anode contacts <b>22</b> through an anode bus <b>38</b>. The cathode connection point <b>34</b> is electrically connected to each of the plurality of cathode contacts <b>24</b> through a cathode bus <b>40</b>. The ground connection point <b>36</b> is electrically connected to a ground wire <b>46</b> for grounding the LED light strip <b>12</b>. An anode wire <b>42</b> is connectable to the anode connection point <b>32</b> for connecting the LED light strip <b>12</b> to the power source (not shown). A cathode wire <b>44</b> is connectable to the cathode connection point <b>34</b> for connecting the LED light strip <b>12</b> to another LED light strip <b>12</b>, if more than one of the LED light strips <b>12</b> are being used in series.

0049The printed circuit board <b>14</b> also includes a ground connection point <b>36</b>. A ground wire <b>46</b> is connectable to the ground connection point <b>36</b> for grounding the LED light strip <b>12</b>. While the present embodiment illustrates a single series of LED light bulbs <b>10</b> being connected to the printed circuit board <b>14</b>, the printed circuit board <b>14</b> could include two or more sets connected in series, or any other arrangement that could be devised by those skilled in the art. Since the general construction of the printed circuit board <b>14</b> is well known to those skilled in the art, it is not described in greater detail herein.

0050As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-14</figref>, the plurality of the LED light bulbs <b>10</b> may be removably fastened to the LED light strip <b>12</b> using the plurality of locking clips <b>16</b>. The forked end <b>28</b> of one of the plurality of locking clips <b>16</b> is adapted to fit over the flange <b>74</b> and lock around the outer sidewall <b>54</b> of one of the plurality of LED bulbs <b>10</b>, thereby forming an electrical connection between the locking clip <b>16</b> and the outer sidewall <b>54</b>. The plurality of locking clips <b>16</b> also function to bias each of the plurality of LED light bulbs <b>10</b> against one of the plurality of anode contacts <b>22</b>.

0051As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, the LED light strip <b>12</b> is preferably used in conjunction with a sign <b>78</b> that includes at least one translucent portion <b>80</b>. One example of the sign <b>78</b> includes a no-smoking sign such as is typically used in airplanes. The no-smoking sign <b>78</b> includes a base unit <b>82</b> having a plurality of recesses <b>84</b> that each include one of a plurality of bulb apertures <b>86</b>. Each of the plurality of bulb apertures <b>86</b> is shaped, spaced, and otherwise adapted to receive one of the plurality of LED light bulbs <b>10</b> mounted upon the printed circuit board <b>14</b> of the LED light strip <b>12</b>. The no-smoking sign <b>78</b> further includes a cover plate <b>88</b> that is adapted to attach to the base unit <b>82</b> to cover the plurality of recesses <b>84</b>. The cover plate <b>88</b> has the at least one translucent portion <b>80</b> that enables light from the plurality of LED light bulbs <b>10</b> to shine through and thereby form a lighted signal.

0052Finally, the no-smoking sign <b>78</b> further includes a means for fastening the LED light strip <b>12</b> securely to the base unit <b>82</b> of the no-smoking sign <b>78</b>. The means for fastening may be a pair of screws <b>90</b> in one embodiment; however, any similar fastener or equivalent should be considered within the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of LEDs <b>61</b> may be a colored LED, so that the at least one translucent portion <b>80</b> may be clear or at least uncolored and still provide a colored signal. It is common, for example, that the signal should be red or another color, and this can be provided by using LEDs that are red. This is not possible using ordinary incandescent bulbs, which require a colored filter to provide the sign <b>78</b> with a colored output.

0053In a second embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, the printed circuit board assembly includes a first circuit board <b>102</b> and a second circuit board <b>110</b>. In this embodiment, the means for removably attaching includes a plurality of bulb apertures <b>104</b> through the first circuit board <b>102</b>. In this embodiment, the plurality of anode contacts <b>22</b> are provided on the second circuit board <b>110</b>, as is the anode bus <b>38</b> and the anode connection point <b>32</b> for the anode wire <b>42</b>. The plurality of cathode contacts <b>24</b> are printed upon the first circuit board <b>102</b> adjacent each of the plurality of bulb apertures <b>104</b> and connected by the cathode bus <b>40</b> with the cathode connection point <b>34</b> and the cathode wire <b>44</b>.

0054While the invention has been described with reference to at least one preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.